Religion has been one of the most important, inspirational, and, arguably, problematic aspects of human culture. At Lawrence, the religious studies department seeks to educate students about the diversity, complexity, and richness of the historical and philosophical dimensions of some of the world’s religions. Because we recognize that religion lies not in one aspect of human culture and experience, but permeates all aspects, students become familiar with a variety of approaches needed to study the wide range of religious expression. Thus, religious studies at Lawrence is both comparative and inter-disciplinary in its approach.

Courses in Christianity, religions of Asia, and Islam form the core offerings of the department in which you examine cultural and social expressions of those religions – sacred texts, rituals, instances of ecstasy and enthusiasm, reflective writings, and institutions – at a particular period, over time, and in relation to broader historical, philosophical, and ethical issues.